V Encuentro Proceedings and Conclusions

Proceedings and Conclusions of the V National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry | 109 13. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT I. Vision Human development is defined as, “the process of enlarging people’s freedoms and opportunities and improving their well-being.” The number of circumstances that can positively or negatively affect these realities in the Hispanic/Latino community is immense, so there is a need to narrow the focus. The V Encuentro consultation has provided ample information with regard to standards of living, healthy lifestyles, and access to knowledge among Hispanics/Latinos in our society. Once the needs in these areas have been assessed, specific actions can be undertaken by the Church to improve the lives and enhance the freedom of Hispanic/ Latino individuals and families. II. Social and Religious Context in Hispanic Ministry • The areas of human development identified in the consultation are mainly focused on the needs for work, health, family, and education. There is a general perception that the Church does not do enough to raise awareness and respond to these needs in the Hispanic/Latino community. • Immigrants in particular need guidance on laws and their rights because their horizons can be very limited by immigration status: health services, work, family unity, education, and reception of the sacraments. • The Church is not alone in its desire to improve well-being in the community. There are many social services available in most communities, and the Church needs to strengthen ties and partnerships with those organizations to multiply their impact. • Standard of living: » » Employment is a major challenge. Many jobs do not provide a living wage, and some communities have few work opportunities of any sort. » » Undocumented workers are at risk of exploitation and stolen wages from unscrupulous employers. » » Work schedules for the working class and working poor often interfere with family life and can make participation in the parish nearly impossible. » » Lack of public transportation and/or access to licensure makes work and family life difficult. » » Hispanic/Latino communities are often plagued by violence and crime of all sorts, especially organized crime and gang violence fueled by the drug trade and human trafficking. » » Domestic violence is underreported, leaving people to suffer in silence. » » Limited access to affordable housing can lead to overcrowding and homelessness. » » Many Hispanic/Latino families are only a paycheck away from financial ruin. • Healthy lifestyle: » » Physical, emotional, and spiritual health are often affected by trauma or illness. » » Undocumented people lack access to private or public health insurance, resulting in countless health crises that could have been avoided. » » Mental health problems and substance abuse/addictions wreak havoc in the lives of many Hispanic families, while costs and taboos about seeking professional help prevent many from getting assistance. » » From 2009 to 2017, the percentage of uninsured Hispanics in the U.S. declined from 32% to 16%—still the highest of any group. However, recent federal policy changes suggest that the ratio of Hispanic uninsured is once again on the rise. » » Many families do not have access to affordable, nutritious food and are exposed to dangers to their health due to degradation of the local environment or exposure to chemicals in the workplace. Ministerial Area Sessions